Missouri Lands in Top States for Starting Job Salaries

If you're looking for an entry-level job that will pay you enough to actually survive in the place you're living, Missouri is one of the top states in America based on new data that has just been shared.

My first job was as a stockman at K-Mart in Hannibal, Missouri when I was in high school. The pay wasn't outstanding and the cleaning work was terrifying at times. That was expected back in that era before technology fully took over. Now, in 2025, it's entirely possible for your first job to pay great and a new ranking from Cheapism places Missouri nearly at the very top for entry-level pay positions.

What makes a place great for entry-level jobs?

The criteria used in this new ranking is a fair one. It measures the percentage of entry-level jobs in a state compared to what the average living wage is. Translation? You'll make enough money to pay rent and feed yourself along with entertainment options. I will admit that I was genuinely surprised to see Missouri ranked 2nd in America for great entry-level pay. Only Minnesota ranked higher for these kinds of early opportunities.

I'm no math genius, but it's not hard to figure out how Missouri fared so well in this study. The cost of living in Missouri is lower than most other states in America and the number of cities where rent/housing is affordable is also higher than other places. Factor in that Missouri is right in the heart of America and within a days drive of just about every other part of the country and you've got a compelling reason why the Show Me State might not be a bad option if you're just starting out in your career.